Marine Educator and Community Science Coordinator

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb).

Classification

Title:

Public Service Professional AC FLSA Faculty Rank:
Open Rank Contract Type:
Fiscal (12 mo.) Tenure Status:
Non‑Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications:

MS required in marine science, biology/ecology, environmental science, oceanography/climate science, science education / environmental education or related field.

This is a full‑time, non‑tenured, benefits‑eligible Public Service Faculty position to be assigned to the Marine Education Center and Aquarium near Savannah, GA. The position is based on Skidaway Island and requires some state, regional, national, and potentially international travel. The Center operates year‑round as a hub for hands‑on, feet‑in coastal education opportunities that engage a range of audiences.

• Lead, instruct, and ensure the safety of student and public participants in marine science and coastal ecology educational programs.
• Design KR‑12 field explorations, laboratory studies, discussion sessions, and boat‑based classes.
• Conduct boat‑based classes aboard 24‑foot open boats (Carolina Skiffs) and the 43‑foot trawler R/V Sea Dawg.
• Offer school programs September‑May and summer camps June‑July; public programs year‑round.
• Develop educator workshops that are often collaborative and grant‑funded.

• Coordinate and develop community science projects and opportunities.
• Maintain community involvement and research databases for existing coastal monitoring efforts (e.g., NOAA SE Phytoplankton Monitoring Network, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Nest Watch, eBird, Audubon Christmas Bird Count) and coastal cleanups / marine debris surveys.
• Expand efforts to engage broad audiences in hands‑on science and the research process.
• Partner with other Sea Grant programs and coastal groups for comparable community science projects on the Georgia coast.

• Coordinate the Center's summer marine science camp program.
• Write grants to secure external funding for the center's activities.
• Develop new education programs related to current coastal research topics.
• Collaborate with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant's volunteer coordinator and communication team.
• Connect with SG‑funded researchers, extension professionals, and educators to develop new community science programs.

• 3‑5 years minimum teaching experience required.
• 3‑5 years community / citizen science program experience; coordination, development and management preferred.

• Ph.D. in a discipline related to marine science, biology/ecology, environmental science, oceanography/climate science, science/environmental education or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience teaching student groups aboard boats and in the field preferred; preference for experience in community outreach and education.
• Record of grant writing for education and/or community outreach.

• Substantial content knowledge in marine science, biology, coastal ecology, natural history, oceanography and climate science.
• Knowledge of strategies for developing engaging and impactful community science opportunities and programs.
• Record of grant writing for education and/or community outreach.
• Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills for public outreach and extension work with non‑scientists.
• Proven leadership and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with a small internal team of educators, extension professionals, researchers, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Excellent networking skills and demonstrated success in building relationships with researchers, extension professionals, and science educators related to community/citizen science.
• Confide…